FOR cinema goers jaded by 3D, there's always 4D film - movies that shake, rattle and roll viewers, spray water, blow wind and even tickle with what seem to be creepy-crawly, slithering things. Xu Wei takes her chances at the movies.

The new 3D version of James Cameron's 1997 multi-Oscar-winning film "Titanic" will hit cinema screens in China next Tuesday and Cameron says the new blockbuster will be even more spectacular and immersive.

"3D kicks the whole experience up to another level, more than ever you feel you're right there going through all the jeopardy that Jack and Rose go through," the director says.

No doubt it will be a hit but many Chinese urban moviegoers are familiar with 3D and some will be looking for more extreme cinema experiences, such as IMAX 3D on vast screens and 4D, which combines 3D and other sensory experiences, such as touch and smell.

For a truly "immersive" experience, "Titanic'" in 4D will be shown starting next Tuesday at 99-seat Yonghua Cinema in Shanghai's Xuhui District. Viewers will experience (sort of) the sinking of the ocean liner as it rotates in a vortex. Seats will vibrate, shake and sink a bit. There will be wind and rain (viewers get paper towels so they can mop up), lightning and fog. They will also "smell" fires and explosions aboard ship.

Yonghua is the only theater in downtown Shanghai that shows 4D feature-length films in a special hall. The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum has a 4D theater for short films and there are 4D theaters for short movies in some theme parks.

"The viewers can feel intensely strong shaking, cold water and wind when the disaster strikes," says Li Lan, a manager of Yonghua Cinema. "After going through such a real and powerful experience, like characters in the movie, the audience can really get a sense of the terror and confusion they felt," Li says.

With a special software system, every 3D film can be converted to 4D. And the theater plans to screen blockbusters such as "Harry Potter," "Batman - the Dark Knight," "Ice Age" (animation), and other commercially successful films. All viewers get 3D glasses and paper towels.

Since the 4D cinema opened last summer, it has been very successful among young people and children. Every day there are five or six showings and tickets usually cost around 150 yuan (US$24). But the cinema operator says it will take a long time to recoup its investment of around 2 million yuan. Still, it plans to open more 4D cinemas.

Though there's a lot of screaming, gasping and laughter in 4D cinema, not everyone enjoys the sensations of wind, rain and tickling.

Caroline Song, an office worker in her 20s, regrets choosing the 4D animation "The Smurfs" for her first date with a prospective boyfriend.

In the film, the blue creature is chased by a dog and then tumbles into a toilet. Then viewers are splashed with "toilet water."

"It was very disgusting," Song says. "I felt very embarrassed and nervous since my makeup and hair were a total mess. It took me a lot of time to fix myself up again."

While watching the 4D version of the final installment of the "Harry Potter" series, the audience saw bolts of lightning, heard wind whistling in their ears and felt the earth trembling as seats vibrated.

Disturbances

Many people found the experience awe-inspiring and said the film was enriched by added sensations. But some parents of children and young teenagers were worried by the apparent violence and concerned about safety.

"In some explosion scenes, the theater quickly filled with smoke and we could even smell burning plastics and gunpowder," says Tong Hairong, mother of an 11-year-old girl. "Though the cinema promises that it is safe, I am still a little worried about whether the smoke could be harmful to health, especially the health of children."

Compared with the smoke and water, some viewers of 4D films are more uncomfortable with the small nylon whips that simulate snakes, lizards, crabs and other creatures crawling on their feet, ankles and calves, as well as the sudden protrusions on the back of the seat that give the sensation of being poked by something strange (maybe a bony finger) or brushed by a branch.

"I have worked out a posture to protect myself from these attacks - I sit straight on the edge of the seat, I don't lean back and I keep my legs crossed and close together," Mark Chen says. "True, 4D theater is more exciting, but it takes some time to get used to watching a film that creates so much disturbance."

China's movie market is booming and cinemas are being built and upgraded. China now has around 9,000 film screens (a small number considering the population), and half of those are 3D film screens.

Because of advances in digital projection technology, there are around 70 commercial IMAX 3D (3D on huge screens) cinemas in China and the number is increasing; 3D is becoming more affordable, though 4D requires considerably more expense.

Also, the recent increase of US film quotas in China - particularly movies in 3D or IMAX version - motivates cinemas to expand and upgrade.

To date, Stellar Cinema City with both 3D and IMAX 3D screens has received many calls about the 3D "Titanic."

Yu Jianjiang, a cinema manager, says the original X-pand projection equipment has been updated to RealD 3D Projection systems, which provides better viewing experience and angles, allowing viewers to tilt and turn their heads while watching.

This year around 17 films in 3D or IMAX 3D version will be screened, according to manager Yu from Stellar Cinema City.

"However, it is hard to predict audience reaction. Not every blockbuster converted to IMAX 3D is popular. A good plot and good cast are still essential in determining success," Yu adds.

Eye strain

Those who watch IMAX 3D a lot may experience dizziness, eye strain, nausea and headaches, so eye experts suggest viewers select seats in the middle rear rows. Children should be careful not to overdo it, since their vision is still developing.

Some film experts consider advanced cinema technology in 3D, IMAX 3D or 4D to be double-edged swords.

On the one hand, they can add to pleasure and thrills, providing a deeper and more sensuous experience. On the other hand, audiences may become jaded and so accustomed to spectacular effects, that they fail to appreciate a good story if it lacks ever more mind-boggling effects. Similarly, film directors may become more dependent on technology instead of good storytelling, artistry and originality.

The 3D and 4D technology is good for fantasy and adventure films, says Li from Yonghua Cinema, "but not all films are appropriate for conversion to 3D or 4D, especially those with complicated story lines and emotions. Too much 3D and 4D can be distracting and bewildering."

In the view of Professor Gu Xiaoming, a film expert at Fudan University, the frenzy for 3D and 4D shows the technological progress of the global film industry, but they are not requirements for a good film.

"This year's Oscar-winning film 'The Artist' pays tribute to silent and black and white films," Professor Gu says. "It proves that it is unnecessary to remaster each film to 3D or 4D versions. To some extent, 3D technology destroys one's quiet and precious 'gaze' moment in a film."

He predicts a trend in the near future for holographic movies, which allow permanent optical data storage and retrieval with far higher densities than CDs or DVDs.

Where to watch 4D movies



Yonghua Cinema

Address: 6/F, 1 Hongqiao Rd

Tel: 6407-6622



Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (short documentary films in 4D)

Address: 2000 Century Ave, Pudong

Tel: 6862-2000



Shanghai Kubeiland (animation in 4D)

Address: 118 Longwu Rd

Tel: 3461-7702, 4001-516-516

Where to see IMAX 3D movies



Stellar Cinema City

Address: 8/F, 168 Lujiazui Rd W., Pudong

Tel: 5049-5055



Peace Cinema

Address: 290 Xizang Rd M.

Tel: 6322-5252



Wanda International Cinema

Address: 3/F, 58 Guobin Rd

Tel: 5566-0926